Accountability, student assessment, and the need for a comprehensive approach, 9(6)

Abstract

Accountability has become synonymous with standardized testing in many Western countries such as Canada, the United States, Great Britain and New Zealand. Schools and districts are increasingly ranked based on their students’ performance on standardized tests. Unfortunately, standardized testing measures possess a number of limitations that prevent them from being used as a sole indicator of student performance. This paper proposes a comprehensive approach to student assessment – one focused on improving teacher instruction and student learning. Consisting of seven components, the proposed approach provides an alternative to current accountability systems that distract rather than support the important work of teachers.